Mogadishu City stun Police FC at Nyayo Stadium
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 28, 2025Kenya Police FC have progressed to the second preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, advancing on the away goals rule after losing 2-0 at home to Mogadishu City Club at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, September 28, 2025.
The Kenyan champions had won the first leg 3-1, which proved decisive for their progression.
The match began with Mogadishu City pressing aggressively, looking to overturn the deficit. Kenya Police controlled early possession but struggled to create clear chances.
Their first notable opportunity came in the 21st minute when Alvin Otieno linked with Eric Zakayo, but the referee waved off the attack after a foul appeal.
Second half scares
Mogadishu City broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Issa Adam Abatari capitalised on a defensive lapse and slotted past goalkeeper Khadime Ndiaye, giving the visitors a vital lead. Ten minutes into the second half, Joash Onyango fouled Abdikadir Enow inside the box. Ibrahima Bangura converted the penalty confidently, doubling Mogadishu’s advantage and tying the aggregate at 3-3.
Kenya Police introduced Edward Omondi, David Okoth, and Eustus Emodia to increase attacking urgency. Omondi twice went close to scoring, with their best chance coming in the 80th minute, only to be denied by Mogadishu goalkeeper Yusuf Yusuf, who injured himself in the process. Despite these efforts, Police could not score, but the away goals from the first leg ensured their progression.
Kenya Police will now face either Jamus FC of South Sudan or Sudanese giants Al Hilal in the second preliminary round. The team’s resilience under pressure will be crucial if they are to make history by reaching the group stages.
Regional teams secure progress
Sunday’s round was notable across the region. Tanzania’s Simba SC also advanced to the second preliminary round after drawing 1-1 with Gaborone United in Dar es Salaam. Jean Carlos Ahoua opened the scoring for Simba just before half-time, but the visitors responded through a penalty by Lebogang Ditsele.
Despite late pressure from Gaborone, Simba held on to progress 2-1 on aggregate, maintaining their strong record in continental competitions.
In Eswatini, Nsingizini Hotspurs kept their CAF Champions League hopes alive after defeating Zimbabwe’s Simba Bhora 4-2 on penalties. The tie had been levelled 1-1 on aggregate, and Shongwe Nkosingiphile’s stoppage-time goal forced a shootout. Hotspurs held their nerve to seal a historic progression to the second preliminary round.